(Optional Memorial for Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop)
(Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
On Saturdays in Ordinary Time when there is no obligatory memorial, an optional memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary is allowed. [1] Mass texts may be taken from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a Votive Mass, or from the special collection of Masses for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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| “St Giustina and the Guardian Angel Commending the Soul of an Infant to the Madonna and Child” by Gaetano Gandolfi, 1792-93 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Romans 8:1-11
Commentary on Rom 8:1-11
In the first section of this passage from St Paul
The Apostle expands upon the idea that through the Law of Moses sin entered the word. This occurred through the existential mechanism of defining sin. Here he expresses the idea that only through Christ Jesus can one be freed from sin and death. The Law of Moses cannot accomplish this freedom, is “powerless to do so” since it is “weakened by the flesh”; that is implemented as it is understood by mankind. Christ, who came to fulfill the law provides the means of freedom from sin and death for Christians, since they live in the spirit, coming to righteousness. He focuses on what Disciples of Christ must do to please God which must come through the spirit, not the flesh. Paul makes it clear that the Spirit is "of God," for the new principle of Christian vitality is derived from the same source as all the other divine manifestations of salvation. The baptized Christian is not only "in the Spirit," but the Spirit is now said to dwell in him.
CCC: Rom 8:2 782; Rom 8:3 602; Rom 8:9 693; Rom 8:11 632, 658, 693, 695, 989, 990
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Commentary on Ps 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Psalm 24 is a processional song. It recalls that God is the great creator and he calls his people to be faithful. It asks the question who can come into his presence and answers only those who are sinless (completely reconciled to God). They who achieve that beatified state will receive the reward of eternal life from the savior. It focuses on the character of the one who worthily seeks God and the one who is worthy to come into God’s kingdom and stand before him. We are answered; “He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain.”
This is part of a hymn of entrance, sung as the Arc of the Covenant was brought into the Temple followed by the faithful. Once again in this song we find a reference borrowed by St. John’s Revelation (Revelations 14:5) and an image created in the Letter to the Hebrews 10:22 . Who are the ones allowed full access to God?
CCC: Ps 24:6 2582
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Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
Commentary on Lk 13:1-9
In the story from St. Luke there is once more reminder that there is urgency required for repentance. The story begins with an explanation by the Lord that victims of Roman punishment and God did not single out victims of an accident for punishment. He uses the parable of the barren fig tree as a way of saying that God, at some point will become impatient and will call sinners to account for their actions.
The incident recorded at the beginning of this reading (likely the accidental death of those on whom the tower fell) is found only in St. Luke’s Gospel. Based upon historical works of the time, the actions of Pilate were in keeping with his character. Jesus uses the event to call his audience to repentance.
“Following on the call to repentance, the parable of the barren fig tree presents a story about the continuing patience of God with those who have not yet given evidence of their repentance (see Luke 3:8). The parable may also be alluding to the delay of the end time, when punishment will be meted out, and the importance of preparing for the end of the age because the delay will not be permanent”[5]
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Reflection:
There was recently a news report about an unusual car chase. A woman was captured on camera driving down a freeway during the day. She was driving erratically and when the person in another car pulled up next to her, she was clearly asleep at the wheel. The observing car honked at her and while she jerked away for a short time, soon she was weaving again. This incredible saga lasted for 58 miles until a highway patrol vehicle finally pulled her over.
Anyone who has been driving for a number of years has probably had a situation where they caught themselves nodding off. We all know how dangerous it can be to fall asleep at the wheel. The Lord is making that same point in the Gospel. We cannot afford to fall asleep at the wheel of our faith and we all know that happens in those circumstances as well-we are in danger of crashing (i.e. embracing the Evil One’s plan).
When we are driving and begin to get drowsy, we know we need to pull over and get some sleep. When we feel ourselves weaving on the road of faith it’s time to stop what we are doing and spend some time with the Lord. That can be in prayer, in meditation, with the Holy Scripture or with the sacraments. The point is that we need to be constantly vigilant.
Today we thank God for watching over us and keeping us safe. We thank the Lord in a special way when he sends us reminders like the one we received today. We vow to remain awake and vigilant and continue to fill up our spiritual selves as we continue our journey in life to the one who promises us eternal life.
Pax
[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5
[3] The picture is “St Giustina and the Guardian Angel Commending the Soul of an Infant to the Madonna and Child” by Gaetano Gandolfi, 1792-93
[5] See NAB footnote on Luke 13:6-9
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